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The Complete Victoria Cross: A Full Chronological Record of All Holders of Britain's Highest Award for Gallantry
by Kevin BrazierThis fully revised paperback edition of the complete chronological record of VC holders is an essential work of reference for every student of military history. All the British and Commonwealth servicemen who have been awarded the highest honour for exceptional acts of bravery and self-sacrifice are commemorated here. The first VCs awarded for the Crimean War and in the nineteenth-century colonial wars are described, as are the VCs awarded in the world wars of the twentieth century and the most recent VCs awarded during present-day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The extraordinary exploits recounted in this fascinating book make unforgettable reading.
The Complete Works: Handbook, Discourses, & Fragments
by EpictetusThe complete surviving works of Epictetus, the most influential Stoic philosopher from antiquity. “Some things are up to us and some are not.” Epictetus was born into slavery around the year 50 CE, and, upon being granted his freedom, he set himself up as a philosophy teacher. After being expelled from Rome, he spent the rest of his life living and teaching in Greece. He is now considered the most important exponent of Stoicism, and his surviving work comprises a series of impassioned discourses, delivered live and recorded by his student Arrian, and the Handbook, Arrian’s own take on the heart of Epictetus’s teaching. In Discourses, Epictetus argues that happiness depends on knowing what is in our power to affect and what is not. Our internal states and our responses to events are up to us, but the events themselves are assigned to us by the benevolent deity, and we should treat them—along with our bodies, possessions, and families—as matters of indifference, simply making the best use of them we can. Together, the Discourses and Handbook constitute a practical guide to moral self-improvement, as Epictetus explains the work and exercises aspirants need to do to enrich and deepen their lives. Edited and translated by renowned scholar Robin Waterfield, this book collects the complete works of Epictetus, bringing to modern readers his insights on how to cope with death, exile, the people around us, the whims of the emperor, fear, illness, and much more.CUSTOMER NOTE: THE HARDCOVER IS FOR LIBRARIES AND HAS NO JACKET.
Complex Adaptive Systems: Views from the Physical, Natural, and Social Sciences (Understanding Complex Systems)
by Ted Carmichael Andrew J. Collins Mirsad HadžikadićThis book emerged out of international conferences organized as part of the AAAI Fall Symposia series, and the Swarmfest 2017 conference. It brings together researchers from diverse fields studying these complex systems using CAS and agent-based modeling tools and techniques. In the past, the knowledge gained in each domain has largely remained exclusive to that domain. By bringing together scholars who study these phenomena, the book takes knowledge from one domain to provide insight into others.Most interesting phenomena in natural and social systems include constant transitions and oscillations among their various phases – wars, companies, societies, markets, and humans rarely stay in a stable, predictable state for long. Randomness, power laws, and human behavior ensure that the future is both unknown and challenging. How do events unfold? When do they take hold? Why do some initial events cause an avalanche while others do not? What characterizes these events? What are the thresholds that differentiate a sea change from a non-event?Complex adaptive systems (CAS) have proven to be a powerful tool for exploring these and other related phenomena. The authors characterize a general CAS model as having a large number of self-similar agents that: 1) utilize one or more levels of feedback; 2) exhibit emergent properties and self-organization; and 3) produce non-linear dynamic behavior. Advances in modeling and computing technology have led not only to a deeper understanding of complex systems in many areas, but they have also raised the possibility that similar fundamental principles may be at work across these systems, even though the underlying principles may manifest themselves differently.
Complex Agent-Based Models (New Economic Windows)
by Mauro GallegatiThis book offers a thorough introduction to the highly promising complex agent-based approach to economics, in which agent-based models (ABMs) are used to represent economic systems as complex and evolving systems composed of heterogeneous agents of limited rationality who interact with each other, generating the system’s emergent properties in the process. This approach represents a response to the limitations of the dominant theory in economics, which does not consider the possibility of a major crisis, and to the inability of dynamic stochastic general equilibrium theory to generate empirically falsifiable propositions. In the new perspective, the focus is on identifying the elements of instability rather than the triggering event. As the theory of complexity demonstrates, the interactions of heterogeneous agents produce non-linearity: this puts an end to the age of certainties. With ABMs, the methodology is “from the bottom up”. The individual parameters and their distribution are estimated, and then evaluated to verify whether aggregate regularities emerge on the whole. In short, not only micro, but also meso and macro empirical validation are employed. Moreover, it shows that the mantra of growth should be supplanted by the concept of a growth. Given its depth of coverage, the book will enable students at the undergraduate and Master’s level to gain a firm grasp of this important emerging approach. “This book is flower blossomed by one of the two greatest Italian economists.” Bruce Greenwald, Columbia University “The author’s - the ABM prophet’s - thoughts on economics have been at the forefront of the world. Without a firm belief in and dedication to human society, it is impossible to write such a book. This is a work of high academic value, which can help readers quickly understand the history and current situation of complex economic theory. In particular, we can understand the basic viewpoints, academic status, advantages and shortcomings of various schools of economic theory.” Jie Wu, Guangzhou Milestone Software Co., China
Complex and Adaptive Dynamical Systems: A Primer (Springer Complexity Ser.)
by Claudius GrosDiscover a wide range of findings in quantitative complex system science that help us make sense of our complex world. Written at an introductory level, the book provides an accessible entry into this fascinating and vitally important subject.
Complex and Adaptive Dynamical Systems: A Comprehensive Introduction
by Claudius GrosThis textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to the concepts underpinning our modern understanding of complex and emergent behavior. Mathematical methods necessary for the discussion are introduced and explained on the run. All derivations are presented step-by-step. This new fifth edition has been fully revised and includes a new chapter, a range of new sections, figures and exercises. The Solution chapter has been reorganized for clarity.The core aspects of modern complex system sciences are presented in the first chapters, covering the foundations of network- and dynamical system theory, with a particular focus on scale-free networks and tipping phenomena. The notion of deterministic chaos is treated together with bifurcation theory and the intricacies of time delays. Modern information theoretical principles are discussed in further chapters, together with the notion of self-organized criticality, synchronization phenomena, and a game-theoretical treatment of the tragedy of the commons. The dynamical systems view of modern machine learning is presented in a new chapter.Chapters include exercises and suggestions for further reading. The textbook is suitable for graduate and advanced undergraduate students. The prerequisites are the basic mathematical tools of courses in natural sciences, computer science or engineering.
Complex Biological Systems: Adaptation and Tolerance to Extreme Environments
by Irina R. Fomina Karl Y. Biel Vladislav G. SoukhovolskyGlobal climate change is one of the most serious and pressing issues facing our planet. Rather than a “silver bullet” or a single study that solves it, the study of global climate change is like a beach, with each contribution a grain of sand, gathered together as a whole to create a big picture, moving the science forward. This new groundbreaking study focuses on the adaptation and tolerance of plants and animal life to the harsh conditions brought on by climate change or global warming. Using the papers collected here, scientists can better understand global climate change, its causes, results, and, ultimately, the future of life on our planet. The first section lays out a methodology and conceptual direction of the work as a whole, covering the modeling, approaches, and the impacts studied throughout the book. The second section focuses on certain hypotheses laid out by the authors regarding how plants and animal life can adapt and survive in extreme environments. The third section compiles a series of ecological experiments and their conclusions, and a final section is dedicated to previous scientific breakthroughs in this field and the scientists who made them. Whether for the scientist in the field, the student, or as a reference, this groundbreaking new work is a must-have. Focusing on a small part of the global climate change “beach,” this “grain of sand” is an extremely important contribution to the scientific literature and a step forward in understanding the problems and potentialities of the issue.
Complex Brain Functions: Conceptual Advances in Russian Neuroscience
by R. Miller A. M. Ivanitsky P. M. BalabanThere are many difficulties hindering western scientists from becoming acquainted with Russian scientific literature, including both political and language barriers. Russian science has a long and proud tradition going back as far as Peter the Great and the founding of the Russian Academy of Science in 1725. However, Russian neuroscientists from th
Complex Cases and Comorbidity in Eating Disorders: Assessment and Management
by Riccardo Dalle Grave Massimiliano Sartirana Simona CalugiIn this book the authors share the strategies and procedures they use in their clinical daily practice to assess and treat complex cases of eating disorders. The strategic and pragmatic approach to the management of medical and psychiatric comorbidity coexisting with eating disorders, while relying on enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) - an evidence-based treatment recommended for all eating disorder categories both in adults and adolescents-, can also be used by clinicians who adhere to different theoretical models. The book is divided into two main parts. Part I describes the eating disorder psychopathology and its consequences: an essential knowledge essential to understanding whether the patients have true comorbidity or spurious comorbidity. Then it gives an overview of CBT-E and how to implement it at different levels of care and in a multidisciplinary team. Part II illustrates the general strategies to address comorbidity in patients with eating disorders, and the specific strategies and procedures for managing the most common mental and general medical conditions coexisting with eating disorders. This volume is a valuable and useful tool for all clinicians - endocrinologists, nutritionists, dietitians, psychologists, psychiatrists - who deal with obesity and eating disorders.
Complex Contracting
by Trevor L. Brown Matthew Potoski David M. Van Slyke Trevor L. Brown Matthew PotoskiComplex Contracting draws on core social science concepts to provide wide-ranging practical advice on how best to manage complex acquisitions. Using a strong analytical framework, the authors assess contract management practices, suggesting strategies for improvement and ways to avoid the pitfalls of managing contracts for large and sophisticated projects. An in-depth analysis of the US Coast Guard's Deepwater program is included to illustrate ways to respond to real-world contracting challenges. This high-profile and controversial case consisted of a projected 25-year, $24 billion contract through which the US Coast Guard would buy a system of new boats, aircraft, communications, and control architecture to replace its aging fleet. The authors explore the reasons why this program, launched with such promise, turned out so poorly, and apply the lessons learned to similarly complex contracting scenarios. This engaging and accessible book has broad applicability and will appeal to policymakers, practitioners, scholars and students.
Complex Disasters: Compounding, Cascading, and Protracted (Disaster Risk, Resilience, Reconstruction and Recovery)
by Anna Lukasiewicz Tayanah O’DonnellThis Edited book introduces the concept of complex disasters and considers both disaster risks and impacts across the disaster management spectrum – Prevention – Preparation – Response and Recovery. Three types of complex disasters are analysed – ‘Compound’, ‘Cascading’ and ‘Protracted’. Case studies include hazards from fires, through to floods, sea level rise and typhoons are explored through case studies from Australia and the Asia Pacific region. Each is written by scholars and/or practitioners with acknowledged expertise in the field and most chapters are based on detailed case studies of ongoing or recent research projects. The book will be useful to researchers in climate, disaster, or environmental and economic policy, disaster risk reduction, and climate change studies, and practitioners and policy makers applying disaster theory and knowledge into policy and decision-making.
Complex Fluid-Flows in Microfluidics
by Francisco José Galindo-RosalesThis monograph contains expert knowledge on complex fluid-flows in microfluidic devices. The topical spectrum includes, but is not limited to, aspects such as the analysis, experimental characterization, numerical simulations and numerical optimization. The target audience primarily comprises researchers who intend to embark on activities in microfluidics. The book can also be beneficial as supplementary reading in graduate courses.
Complex Fluids in Biological Systems: Experiment, Theory, and Computation (Biological and Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering)
by Saverio E. SpagnolieThis book serves as an introduction to the continuum mechanics and mathematical modeling of complex fluids in living systems. The form and function of living systems are intimately tied to the nature of surrounding fluid environments, which commonly exhibit nonlinear and history dependent responses to forces and displacements. With ever-increasing capabilities in the visualization and manipulation of biological systems, research on the fundamental phenomena, models, measurements, and analysis of complex fluids has taken a number of exciting directions. In this book, many of the world's foremost experts explore key topics such as: Macro- and micro-rheological techniques for measuring the material properties of complex biofluids and the subtleties of data interpretation Experimental observations and rheology of complex biological materials, including mucus, cell membranes, the cytoskeleton, and blood The motility of microorganisms in complex fluids and the dynamics of active suspensions Challenges and solutions in the numerical simulation of biologically relevant complex fluid flows This volume will be accessible to advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students in engineering, mathematics, biology, and the physical sciences, but will appeal to anyone interested in the intricate and beautiful nature of complex fluids in the context of living systems.
Complex Hamiltonian Dynamics (Springer Series in Synergetics #10)
by Haris Skokos Tassos BountisThis book introduces and explores modern developments in the well established field of Hamiltonian dynamical systems. It focuses on high degree-of-freedom systems and the transitional regimes between regular and chaotic motion. The role of nonlinear normal modes is highlighted and the importance of low-dimensional tori in the resolution of the famous FPU paradox is emphasized. Novel powerful numerical methods are used to study localization phenomena and distinguish order from strongly and weakly chaotic regimes. The emerging hierarchy of complex structures in such regimes gives rise to particularly long-lived patterns and phenomena called quasi-stationary states, which are explored in particular in the concrete setting of one-dimensional Hamiltonian lattices and physical applications in condensed matter systems. The self-contained and pedagogical approach is blended with a unique balance between mathematical rigor, physics insights and concrete applications. End of chapter exercises and (more demanding) research oriented problems provide many opportunities to deepen the reader's insights into specific aspects of the subject matter. Addressing a broad audience of graduate students, theoretical physicists and applied mathematicians, this text combines the benefits of a reference work with those of a self-study guide for newcomers to the field.
Complex Human Dynamics: From Mind to Societies (Understanding Complex Systems)
by Andrzej Nowak Katarzyna Winkowska-Nowak David BréeThis book, edited and authored by a closely collaborating network of social scientists and psychologists, recasts typical research topics in these fields into the language of nonlinear, dynamic and complex systems. The aim is to provide scientists with different backgrounds - physics, applied mathematics and computer sciences - with the opportunity to apply the tools of their trade to an altogether new range of possible applications. At the same time, this book will serve as a first reference for a new generation of social scientists and psychologists wishing to familiarize themselves with the new methodology and the "thinking in complexity".
Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems: Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems (CISIS-2024) (Lecture Notes on Data Engineering and Communications Technologies #87)
by Leonard BarolliSoftware Intensive Systems are systems, which heavily interact with other systems, sensors, actuators, devices, other software systems and users. More and more domains are involved with software intensive systems, e.g. automotive, telecommunication systems, embedded systems in general, industrial automation systems and business applications. Moreover, the outcome of web services delivers a new platform for enabling software intensive systems. Complex Systems research is focused on the overall understanding of systems rather than its components. Complex Systems are very much characterized by the changing environments in which they act by their multiple internal and external interactions. They evolve and adapt through internal and external dynamic interactions. The development of Intelligent Systems and agents, which is each time more characterized by the use of ontologies and their logical foundations build a fruitful impulse for both Software Intensive Systems and Complex Systems. Recent research in the field of intelligent systems, robotics, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and cognitive sciences are very important factor for the future development and innovation of software intensive and complex systems. The aim of the volume “Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems” is to deliver a platform of scientific interaction between the three interwoven challenging areas of research and development of future ICT-enabled applications: Software Intensive Systems, Complex systems and Intelligent Systems.
Complex Investigation of the World Ocean: Proceedings of the VII International Conference of Young Scientists (Springer Proceedings in Earth and Environmental Sciences)
by Tatiana ChaplinaThe book presents the most relevant research of the participants of the VII International Conference of Young Scientists "Complex Investigation of the World Ocean" (CIWO-2023). This conference was held at Saint Petersburg State University in May 15-19, 2023 (Saint Petersburg, Russia). It covers a wide range of fundamental and applied marine and limnology studies combined in eight sections: Ocean Physics, Ocean Biology, Ocean Chemistry, Marine Geology, Marine Geophysics, Marine Ecology and Environmental Management, Physical and Biological interactions (interdisciplinary section), Oceanological Technology and Instrumentation. The aim of this book is to show the relevance of the marine research due to the crucial role of the World Ocean in determining climate change on Earth, huge resources (fish resources, oil, gas and ore deposits, etc.) and intensive development of infrastructure in coastal and offshore zones. All these topics were marked within the framework of realization of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). The studies presented in the book covers the wide spectrum of different the most important marine and limnology issues: thermohaline structure of water body and interactions between ocean and atmosphere, dynamic of the ocean, marine ice in polar regions, biodiversity of the marine ecosystems, adaptation of marine life to climate changes, geological and geophysical investigations in oil and gas regions, sedimentation, paleooceanology and biostratigraphy, hydrochemistry of estuary regions and carbon fluxes, microplastic pollution of the ocean, eutrophication and etc.
The Complex Itinerary of Leibniz's Planetary Theory
by Paolo BussottiThis book presents new insights into Leibniz's research on planetary theory and his system of pre-established harmony. Although some aspects of this theory have been explored in the literature, others are less well known. In particular, the book offers new contributions on the connection between the planetary theory and the theory of gravitation. It also provides an in-depth discussion of Kepler's influence on Leibniz's planetary theory and more generally, on Leibniz's concept of pre-established harmony. Three initial chapters presenting the mathematical and physical details of Leibniz's works provide a frame of reference. The book then goes on to discuss research on Leibniz's conception of gravity and the connection between Leibniz and Kepler.
The Complex Lives of British Freshwater Fishes
by Mark EverardThis stunningly illustrated book goes far beyond a run-of-the-mill nature guide. It explores the fascinating life histories of Britain’s freshwater fishes, a group of animals which, despite their importance and ubiquity in our diverse still and flowing fresh waters, has before now been rarely regarded and respected as 'wildlife'. Our native fishes tend generally to be considered as simply something for anglers to catch or for people to eat, yet they work enormously hard for us. Author Mark Everard, avid nature-watcher, angler and scientist, shows how freshwater fish provide food, ornamentation, sport and cultural identity, and highlights their huge importance for conservation as part of the living ecosystems upon which we all depend. He dives into the mysteries moving below the surface of our rivers and lakes, bringing the wonderful and fascinating world of the diversity of British freshwater fish species into plain sight and into mind. This unique book features over 100 full-colour photographs by pioneering photographer and filmmaker Jack Perks, whose work has featured on BBC Springwatch, The One Show and Countryfile. The book is filled with technical detail useful to conservationists and biology students. Most importantly, it is also presented in an accessible, visually attractive and engaging manner that will appeal to anybody with an interest in the natural world: the conservation-minded public, the angling community, and our nation of wildlife enthusiasts. Whatever your background, this book will open your eyes to our freshwater fishy wealth, and the many ways in which it enriches our lives.
The Complex Lives of Star Clusters
by David StevensonAs with the author's recent books Extreme Explosions and Under a Crimson Sun, the complex topic of star clusters is broken down and made accessible with clear links to other areas of astronomy in a language which the non-specialist can easily read and enjoy. The full range of topics are addressed regarding how star clusters are formed. Why is it some are dense conglomerates of stars while others are looser associations? Are the young, brilliant clusters seen in neighboring galaxies such as the Large Magellanic Cloud, M33 or M82 analogous to the ancient globulars seen in the Milky Way? How will these clusters change as their stars wane and die? More interestingly, how does living in a dense star cluster affect the fates of the stars and any attendant planets that accompany them? Star clusters form many of the most dazzling objects in the astronomers' catalogs. Many amateur astronomers are interested in exploring how these objects are created and what it would be like to live among these objects. From the historical views of how star clusters came about to the most recent assumptions about how stars within these clusters evolve, different strands of science, from observation to theory, are woven together into a compelling investigation specifically targeted at amateur astronomers.
Complex Macromolecular Architectures: Synthesis, Characterization, and Self-Assembly
by Nikos Hadjichristidis Akira Hirao Yasuyuki Tezuka Filip Du PrezThe field of CMA (complex macromolecular architecture) stands at the cutting edge of materials science, and has been a locus of intense research activity in recent years. This book gives an extensive description of the synthesis, characterization, and self-assembly of recently-developed advanced architectural materials with a number of potential applications. The architectural polymers, including bio-conjugated hybrid polymers with poly(amino acid)s and gluco-polymers, star-branched and dendrimer-like hyperbranched polymers, cyclic polymers, dendrigraft polymers, rod-coil and helix-coil block copolymers, are introduced chapter by chapter in the book. In particular, the book also emphasizes the topic of synthetic breakthroughs by living/controlled polymerization since 2000. Furthermore, renowned authors contribute on special topics such as helical polyisocyanates, metallopolymers, stereospecific polymers, hydrogen-bonded supramolecular polymers, conjugated polymers, and polyrotaxanes, which have attracted considerable interest as novel polymer materials with potential future applications. In addition, recent advances in reactive blending achieved with well-defined end-functionalized polymers are discussed from an industrial point of view. Topics on polymer-based nanotechnologies, including self-assembled architectures and suprastructures, nano-structured materials and devices, nanofabrication, surface nanostructures, and their AFM imaging analysis of hetero-phased polymers are also included. Provides comprehensive coverage of recently developed advanced architectural materials Covers hot new areas such as o click chemistry o chain walking o polyhomologation o ADMET Edited by highly regarded scientists in the field Contains contributions from 26 leading experts from Europe, North America, and Asia Researchers in academia and industry specializing in polymer chemistry will find this book to be an ideal survey of the most recent advances in the area. The book is also suitable as supplementary reading for students enrolled in Polymer Synthetic Chemistry, Polymer Synthesis, Polymer Design, Advanced Polymer Chemistry, Soft Matter Science, and Materials Science courses. Color versions of selected figures can be found at www.wiley.com/go/hadjichristidis
Complex Macromolecular Systems II (Advances in Polymer Science #227)
by Axel H. Müller Hans-Werner Schmidt-Polyelectrolyte Stars and Cylindrical Brushes By Y. Xu, F. Plamper, M. Ballauff, and A. H. E. Müller -Various Aspects of the Interfacial Self-Assembly of Nanoparticles By N. Popp, S. Kutuzov, A. Böker -Holographic Gratings and Data Storage in Azobenzene-Containing Block Copolymers and Molecular Glasses By H. Audorff, K. Kreger, R. Walker, D. Haarer, L. Kador, and H.-W. Schmidt -Donor-Acceptor Block Copolymers with Nanoscale Morphology for Photovoltaic Applications By M. Sommer, S. Huettner, and M. Thelakkat -Recent Advances in the Improvement of Polymer Electret Films By D. P. Erhard, D. Lovera, C. von Salis-Soglio, R. Giesa, V. Altstädt, and H.-W. Schmidt
Complex Magnetic Nanostructures: Synthesis, Assembly and Applications
by Surender Kumar SharmaThis book offers a detailed discussion of the complex magnetic behavior of magnetic nanosystems, with its myriad of geometries (e. g. core-shell, heterodimer and dumbbell) and its different applications. It provides a broad overview of the numerous current studies concerned with magnetic nanoparticles, presenting key examples and an in-depth examination of the cutting-edge developments in this field. This contributed volume shares the latest developments in nanomagnetism with a wide audience: from upper undergraduate and graduate students to advanced specialists in both academia and industry. The first three chapters serve as a primer to the more advanced content found later in the book, making it an ideal introductory text for researchers starting in this field. It provides a forum for the critical evaluation of many aspects of complex nanomagnetism that are at the forefront of nanoscience today. It also presents highlights from the extensive literature on the topic, including the latest research in this field.
Complex Media and Percolation Theory (Encyclopedia of Complexity and Systems Science Series)
by Muhammad Sahimi Allen G. HuntPercolation theory describes the effects of the connectivity of microscopic or small-scale elements of a complex medium to its macroscopic or large-scale properties. It also describes the conditions under which there may be a continuously connected path of local elements across the medium. The point at which the path is formed is called the percolation threshold. Percolation theory also predicts that many macroscopic properties of complex media follow universal power laws near the percolation threshold that are independent of many microscopic features of such media.There are many applications of percolation theory across the natural sciences, from porous materials, to composite solids, complex networks, and biological systems. This book presents the essential elements of percolation theory, covers the problem of calculating the exponents that characterize the power laws that the percolation quantities follow near the percolation threshold, provides a clear description of the geometry of percolation clusters of the connected paths, and addresses several variations of percolation theory. In particular, bootstrap percolation, explosive percolation, and invasion percolation are featured, which expand the range of natural systems to which percolation may be applicable. In addition, coverage includes several important applications of percolation theory to a range of phenomena, ranging from electrical conductivity, thermopower, the Hall effect, and photoconductivity of disordered semiconductors, to flow, transport and reaction in porous media, geochemistry, biology, and ecology.
Complex Models and Computational Methods in Statistics (Contributions to Statistics)
by Sonia Petrone Francesco Lisi Matteo GrigolettoThe use of computational methods in statistics to face complex problems and highly dimensional data, as well as the widespread availability of computer technology, is no news. The range of applications, instead, is unprecedented. As often occurs, new and complex data types require new strategies, demanding for the development of novel statistical methods and suggesting stimulating mathematical problems. This book is addressed to researchers working at the forefront of the statistical analysis of complex systems and using computationally intensive statistical methods.